Presented by Avery Insurance 

Back for the 37th year on Saturday, June 1st

Portsmouth, NH: Prescott Park Arts Festival proudly announces the return of the highly anticipated 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival, presented by Avery Insurance, back for the 37th year in picturesque Prescott Park in downtown Portsmouth. This staple of summer on the Seacoast marks the official commencement of celebrations for the 50th Anniversary Season of Prescott Park Arts Festival. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

As one of New England's most cherished traditions, the 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the region while fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. This year's event promises an unforgettable experience featuring an array of mouthwatering chowders prepared by local restaurants and chefs, each vying for the coveted Golden Ladle. 

"We are thrilled to once again partner with Avery Insurance to present the 37th 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival," said Courtney Perkins, Executive Director of Prescott Park Arts Festival. "This year holds special significance for us as we embark on our 50th Anniversary Season, and we couldn't think of a better way to kick off the festivities than with this beloved event that brings the community together and highlights so many wonderful local restaurants in the Seacoast."

The Chowder Festival will offer attendees the opportunity to sample an assortment of delectable chowders showcasing the culinary prowess of the Seacoast region. In addition to the culinary delights, guests can enjoy complimentary live music featuring local talent, kid-friendly activities, and delicious favorites like ice cream, fresh squeezed lemonade, hush puppies, and more from the Prop, the Arts Festival’s onsite kitchen and concessions stand. 

“We are always so excited to be a part of the 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival, a Prescott Park Arts Festival tradition,” explained Ginny Brophey, 97.5 WOKQ Brand Manager. “As New England’s oldest chowder festival, kicking off Prescott Park Arts Festival's 50th anniversary season in 2024, this year will be a celebration to remember.”

The community support for the return of this time-honored event last year made it a huge success, selling out and celebrating many local restaurants. 97.5 WOKQ returns as longtime partner and title sponsor. The Presenting Sponsor for the second year in a row is Avery Insurance, season sponsor and cherished partner of the Arts Festival. US Foods returns as a sponsor at the Cherrystone level. Lake Street Advisors, Martin’s Point Health Care, and Prime Buchholz, long-time season sponsors of the Arts Festival, join as Chowder Festival sponsors at the Top Neck level. McLane Middleton joins for the first time as a Little Neck Sponsor. More event sponsors will be added and announced as the event gets closer. The return of these meaningful sponsorships, after adding the option for the first time last year, continues to make all the difference in ensuring the return of this crowd-pleasing community event.

"We are so excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Chowder Festival again this year," said Tod O'Dowd, President of Avery Insurance. "It is sure to be another great festival and wonderful community affair.  We are happy to support events like these as they are essential to NH's economic, educational, and social well-being.”

Chowder Festival tickets are $20 per person, and are FREE for Arts Festival season passholders. Everyone attending will need to secure a ticket, free or not, to participate in the tasting, ensuring enough chowder for all. The Summer Kick-Off side of the park with live music and family-friendly activities is free and open to all. The Chowder Festival will also attract some special judges, like well-known NH Chef Bobby “the butcher” Marcotte of Tuckaway Tavern and two-time Guy’s Grocery Games Champion. Additional judges will be announced closer to the event. 

Last year the Judge’s Choice Award went to York River Landing out of York, Maine. The River House Restaurant retained their title as the "People's Choice", winning the award for the 8th year in a row and bringing the Golden Ladle home to their restaurant on Bow Street in Portsmouth, NH. Participating restaurants for the 2024 Chowder Festival will be announced later this spring. 

For more information visit PrescottPark.org. Ticket sales are available through www.portsmouthnhtickets.com. Attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets early, as attendance is limited and this event will likely sell out, as it did last year. Tickets are FREE for Arts Festival season passholders and must be reserved in advance by emailing, [email protected].  

Join us on June 1, 2024, as we raise our spoons in celebration of great food, music, and community at the Prescott Park Arts Festival's 37th Annual WOKQ Chowder Festival kicking off the Arts Festival’s 50th anniversary season.

Severe Weather Date: Sunday, June 2, 2024

Prescott Park Arts Festival FACT SHEET:

Established in 1974, the Festival celebrates 50 years in 2024! 

The 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival and Summer Kick-off, presented by Avery Insurance, will be on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:30am and will kick off the summer and Prescott Park Arts Festival’s 50th Anniversary Season! 

In addition to the Chowder Festival, the Arts Festival offers its Signature Musical, Legally Blonde, presented by Service Credit Union, the River House Restaurant Concert Series, and the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Movie Night Series. Tables in The Kane Company VIP Seating Area can be reserved for all of the Festival’s series, in addition to limited blanket reservations, in front of the Wilcox Main Stage. The Best Seat in the House, sponsored by Key Auto Group, is a special seating area at the front of the VIP section that is available for reservation as well. 

2024 Season Passes are on sale now, and grant pass holders early access to reservations for all of the Arts Festival’s series, and FREE tickets that must be reserved for the Chowder Festival. 

All reservations can be made at: www.prescottpark.org.